Journalism of Courage
Every year on August 7, India observes National Handloom Day to honour its vibrant textile heritage and the skilled artisans who keep it alive.
The Swadeshi Movement in 1905 gave birth to the idea of supporting indigenous handlooms, making them symbols of national pride and resistance.
Indian handlooms are handwoven narratives of culture, tradition, and identity. From royal silks to sustainable cottons, here are 8 Indian handlooms you should know and support: (Source: Wikimedia Commons)
1. Kanjivaram (Tamil Nadu)
Known for: Luxurious silk, temple motifs, and bold colour contrasts.
Often called the "Queen of Silks", Kanjivaram saris are a staple for festive and bridal wear across South India. (Source: Wikimedia Commons)
2. Banarasi (Uttar Pradesh)
Known for: Intricate zari work with Mughal-inspired patterns.
Woven in Varanasi, these silk saris often feature motifs like florals, paisleys, and jali (net) work, perfect for opulent occasions. (Source: Wikimedia Commons)
3. Chanderi (Madhya Pradesh)
Known for: Lightweight, sheer texture with traditional butis.
The Chanderi weave blends comfort with grace, making it an elegant choice for both casual and formal events. (Source: Wikimedia Commons)
4. Pochampally Ikat (Telangana)
Known for: Symmetrical patterns achieved through the Ikat resist-dye technique.
A proud GI-tagged product, Pochampally is the hallmark of precision in handloom design. (Source: Wikimedia Commons)
5. Patola (Gujarat)
Known for: Double Ikat weave with detailed and vibrant geometric designs.
Once reserved for royalty, Patola saris are now collector’s items cherished across the globe. (Source: Wikimedia Commons)
6. Baluchari (West Bengal)
Known for: Intricate storytelling with mythological scenes on the pallu.
Often seen as “wearable epics,” Baluchari saris reflect Bengal's artistic depth. (Source: Wikimedia Commons)
7. Muga Silk (Assam)
Known for: Natural golden lustre and longevity.
Muga silk saris are heirlooms — durable, rare, and unique to Assam. (Source: Wikimedia Commons)
8. Ilkal (Karnataka)
Known for: Traditional contrast borders and the iconic ‘tope teni’ weaving technique.
A blend of cotton and silk, Ilkal saris are known for their comfort and striking red borders, ideal for daily and festive wear alike.
Indian handlooms symbolise sustainability, heritage, and community empowerment. By choosing handloom, you are not just buying fabric, you're preserving a legacy and supporting thousands of artisan families.
(Source: Wikimedia Commons)
